Tenterden - Rolvenden area - St Michael's - Tenterden

Alison and Clive Gilbert

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This walk was originally compiled by Alan and Janet Love, sadly both are no longer with us. Alison Gilbert has updated and revised the original walk. Alison and Walkingworld would like all these excellent walks to remain as a continuing tribute to Alan and Janet.
Tenterden lies on the border of the dense woodlands of the Weald and the flatter farmlands of the Rother Levels that run down to the Romney Marshes. In earlier times it was known as 'Tenet-ware-den', meaning, 'pig pasture of the men of Thanet'. However, it was sheep that made the area prosperous.
The walk traverses beautiful, undulating pastureland, much of which, known as Chennell Park, retains its original parkland character, with stately specimen trees and picturesque vistas.
The Kent and East Sussex Railway runs steam trains along an 11 mile stretch of track from Tenterden to Bodiam Castle. We will encounter stretches of this track on our walk and you can visit the station near the end, where you might also enjoy a stroll along the wide, tree-lined street of the town. There are a wealth of historic shops and houses dating from the 15th to 18th Centuries, many with their original facades. At the heart of Tenterden can be found the beautiful old church of St Mildred, whose records date from 1180. (Its elegant spire, glimpsed at various points during the walk, acts as a directional prompt.) It has a finely carved wooden ceiling which dates from the 15th Century and a tower made of Bethersden Marble.

England - South England - Kent - Countryside

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Museum, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

5/13/2018 - Nigel Ward

Lovely walk, easy to follow. At the start, due to new housing develoment, one of the footpaths has been closed but you just walk further down the lane and take the next path.

5/1/2016 - Sharon Foster

Lovely walk with easy to follow directions, as previously noted many of the stiles have been replaced by gates but if like us you have a dog with you this makes life easier. If you do take a dog it will need to be on the lead for the majority of the walk, not an issue for us as ours disappears when off. We went on a Sunday morning and had the place to our self for most of the walk. Thoroughly enjoyable.

6/30/2009 - Simon Ellis

This is a lovely walk, not too demanding but lovely views (including of the Kent and East Sussex Railway steam trains as they chug past, if you're as fortunate as we were!) We did this walk on a Sunday and it was wonderfully peaceful with ample opportunity to stop for a pint or a cup of tea. The only problem is that much of the route has changed significantly, with many of the stiles missing, moved, or replaced with gates, particularly towards the end where the walk bears little resemblance to the original instructions. It does need a little updating and tweaking although you should be able to navigate with your map, compass and common sense!

4/1/2007 - Stephen Harris

Excellent walk with well written directions and good variety. Loved the twists and turns and even loved all the stiles (except the rickety ones!). Managed to catch a glimpse of a steam engine and there are some very friendly sheep along the way!. Excellent 10/10. Much fun!

4/11/2006 - Fiona OConnor

Well worth doing. Passing steam train was highlight - we waved madly at the travellers aboard! Tenterden was lovely. The numbers of rabbits around the sewage works was huge, as was the number of midges!! We did get a bit lost but enjoyed.

8/22/2005 - Jo Carter-Jones

22/08/05 A thoroughly enjoyable walk and good directions. Thank you.